Following the LAPD’s announcement of increased police presence at movie theaters in L.A. for the opening weekend of Joker, the NYPD announced they would be taking similar action in New York City. The NYPD told The Hollywood Reporter that although there are “no specific or credible threats at this time,†they would be deploying additional personnel to theaters across New York City. Deadline reports that this increased police presence will include “significant undercover detachment.†Law enforcement across the country, including the FBI, have been on high alert for potential mass-shooting events at Joker screenings. An FBI email sent to military personnel on September 18 advises service people to “run if you can,†and adds that, “If you’re stuck, hide (also known as ‘sheltering in place’), and stay quiet. If a shooter finds you, fight with whatever you can.â€
Families from Aurora, Colorado, penned an open letter to Warner Brothers last week detailing their deep concern over the film. Joker will not be shown at the Aurora theater, where a gunman killed 12 during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises in 2012.